Premier League Week 5: Kotoko takes top spot, Hearts in bottom half

By Ernest Bako WUBONTO

Kumasi Asante Kotoko (Porcupine Warriors) has moved to the top of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Accra Lions on Sunday.

Accra Lions thrashed Nsoatreman FC 3-1 in their last league match at home to end their winless start to the new league campaign and were in high spirit to replicate the same against Kotoko but ate a humble pie at the end.

Albert Amoah’s 48th-minute strike sealed the win for the Porcupine Warriors, taking them to 11 points, the same as Bibiani Goldstars.

The Porcupine Warriors, who were lying fifth on the table last weekend with just five points, jumped to second position after a narrow 1-0 win over Nsoatreman FC in an outstanding encounter on Wednesday.

Therefore, they came into this fixture in a confident mood to claim all three points in their backyard to, at least, secure the second position for the time being but fortunately for them, a draw from league leaders, Medeama meant the top spot had been handed over to them on a silver platter.

Medeama SC dropped its first points with a 0-0 draw against Heart of Lions at home. Medeama lost its 100 percent league record after the draw at the T&A Stadium on Saturday evening.

After dropping crucial points at home this weekend, Medeama now sits in the third position with 10 points from four games. They have an outstanding match against FC Samartex 1996, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

Accra Hearts of Oak, who played earlier on Friday, were held at home by Aduana FC to an entertaining goalless at the University of Ghana Stadium.

The Phobians failed to make home advantage count as they shared the spoils with the Dorma-based side, even though defender Rich Sackey of Aduana was sent off in the 56th minute of the game, Hearts couldn’t take advantage of the numerical difference.

Nsoatreman FC thumped Legon Cities 3-1 to secure its second win of the season, moving upward to eighth position on the table while Legon Cities remains at the bottom with just a point from five games.

Richard Acquah opened the scoring for the home side in the ninth minute before Walid Neymar Fuseini added the second in the 27th minute.

Anokye Mensah got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0 in the 39th minute. Mohammed Alidu got the consolation for Legon Cities in the 90th minute.

At Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea recorded a narrow 1-0 home win over Young Apostles FC. Mezack Afriyie’s 72nd-minute strike was the critical moment that separated the two teams.

Also, Vision FC recorded their first home win of the season after a 1-0 scoreline against Basake Holy Stars. Daniel Yemoh’s 45th-minute strike separated the two teams at the Nii Akraku Adjei Complex.

Karela United shared the points with FC Samartex. Hadi Mohammed saved the blushes for Karela United with a last-gasp equaliser in their stalemate at home to FC Samartex. Godwin Sefah scored for Samartex on the stroke of the first half, before Hadi Mohammed grabbed the equaliser in the 90th minute.

Dreams FC is still without a win after losing 1-0 at home to Nations FC. Naful Sulemana scored in the 80th minute to steal the victory. The Believers’ start to the season has been tough and will require emergency measures.

Bibiani GoldStars FC recorded a 1-0 win over Bechem United on Sunday, matchday 5 of the Premier League. Michael Nkoah scored in the 32nd minute to separate the two teams at Duns Park in Bibiani.

GPL Week 5 Results